As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to soar across Western New York, ConnectLife is making an urgent plea for blood donations.
The blood bank said Tuesday that more than 150 units of type "O" blood were used to treat accident, trauma and surgical patients over the Thanksgiving holiday, leaving the blood bank with less than a two-day supply of blood.
"As donations reach a critical low, continuing patient needs at local hospitals may not be met. The need for blood never ends,” said ConnectLife President and CEO, Mark Simon. “It is vital that all who are eligible to donate, and those who have ever thought about donating, consider giving now for our families, friends and neighbors in need.”
ConnectLife is the primary supplier of blood products to Kaleida Health, Erie County Medical Center, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, Eastern Niagara Health, Wyoming County Community Health System, Olean General Hospital, Brooks-TLC Health System and Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Donors throughout the month of December will be a part of the annual Holiday Heroes campaign, honoring someone on the frontlines of the pandemic, and will receive a free t-shirt. Anyone eligible to donate blood can make an appointment at www.ConnectLife.org/urgent or by calling 529-4270.
